At the Crossroads

Elwin Ahu

Scripture

"Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain." (Prov. 7:24-26)

Observation

The streets of life are littered with those who have followed the footsteps of foolishness, rather than heed the words of Wisdom. And their numbers seem to be climbing by the day: men choosing to leave their wives and families for the apparent pleasures of another; or, the naÔve who pursue the path of immediate gratification, rather than the discipline of time and patience; or, those whose eyes see life as always being greener on the other side of the fence. They follow foolishness "as an ox goes to the slaughter," and are clueless of the consequences they will soon meet face to face.

Application

From an outside perspective looking in, we may ask "why" and "where did they go wrong?" But, from their perspective, when they have already walked so far down the road of foolishness, to the naÔve they saw nothing wrong. In reality, though, where they failed was at the crossroads, at the street corners, at the intersections where one decision set off a domino of events, led by emotions and feelings, rather than wisdom.

It will be at the crossroads where both wisdom and folly will shout, both calling the naÔve to enter through her gates (see Prov. 9:3 and Prov. 9:14). And in many instances they will sound exactly the same. The question is: "Whose voice are you listening to hear?" At every crossroad, unless oneís ears are trained to hear the voice of wisdom, we can so easily fall prey to the voice of foolishness.

Just as a childís ears are trained to hear the voice of a parent, even in the midst of a crowded marketplace, so too must my ears be trained to hear the voice of Wisdom. It will require a daily regime of discipline in my devotions, filtering out folly, and tuning in to the Lordís instructions, perceiving His wisdom and discernment, rather than engaging my emotions or feelings.

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord." (Prov. 8:34-35)

Prayer

Father, You know how I once followed foolishness to my own "death," and it was only through Your grace that I have been saved. There will be many more intersections in life where I will need Your wisdom to guide me through. Help me to hear Your voice clearly in every decision I need to make today. Give me a discerning ear to separate the precious from the worthless, so that I may increase in wisdom and understanding in all that I do.